Januvia

Sitagliptin

Indicated to manage blood glucose levels in adults and formulated to support glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Active ingredient
Sitagliptin
Supply
Pharmacy
Route
Oral use
Form
Film-coated tablet
Strengths
50 · 100mg

Januvia details

Alternative names
Xelevia
Therapeutic class
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor
Pharmacological class
DPP-4 Inhibitor
Contraindications
hypersensitivity to sitagliptin; history of pancreatitis
Minor side effects
nausea; upper respiratory tract infection
Moderate side effects
hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas; constipation
Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
Administration route
Oral use
Supply category
Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme
Onset Time
1–4 hours
Duration
24 hours
Storage instructions
Store below 30°C in the original container.
Drug interactions
digoxin
Age restrictions
Not indicated for patients under 18 years.
Precautions and warnings

monitor for signs of pancreatitis; use with caution in patients with renal impairment

Serious side effects

acute pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention; bullous pemphigoid, requires immediate medical attention

Patient summary

Indicated to manage blood glucose levels in adults and formulated to support glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism of action

Sitagliptin works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which breaks down incretin hormones. By increasing the levels of these active hormones, it stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high and lowers glucose production by the liver between meals.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Not recommended. Breastfeeding: Not recommended as it is unknown if sitagliptin is excreted in human milk.

Where this medicine is registered

  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Indonesia
  • Taiwan
  • South Korea
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • UAE
  • South Africa

About Januvia

Januvia contains sitagliptin, an active ingredient used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The same compound is also sold under the brand name Xelevia, produced by Merck Sharp & Dohme. It is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 50mg and 100mg to assist in the daily management of blood glucose levels.

Buying Januvia online

Januvia is registered across 14 markets including Japan, the UAE and Singapore, with availability also in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. Generic sitagliptin, much of it made in India, is far more affordable than the original brand and provides an accessible option for expats and those living far from a well stocked medical provider. This treatment is one of the most ordered medications across the region and can be purchased online for delivery across these key locations.